The Fashion Dossier

Getting Nauti-cal

Alexandra — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:19:15 +0000

With the weather heating up, people are shaping up and shipping out towards the beach. Hemlines are getting shorter and accessories are looking “fishy.” The tide is turning toward garments with a shoreline feel…think classic Cape Cod Americana with a playful vibe.

As always, my trend prediction comes with a word of caution: limit your nautical outfit to no more than two items (clothing and earrings, for example). If you do choose to wear a complete accessory set, make sure that only one of these is bold and keep the rest mild.

If you don’t want to be a fish out of water, read on for my picks…

Anthropologie Salty Seas dress

Photo courtesy of anthropologie.com

Nautical Multi-Strand necklace

Photo courtesy of target.com

Stayton dress

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Seahorse necklace

Photo courtesy of target.com

Top of the Line top

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Starfish Beaded Multi-Strand necklace

Photo courtesy of target.com

Retro Sailor Monokini

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Nautical Shaky Stretch Bracelet

Photo courtesy of target.com

Echo stripe one shoulder dress

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Fruity-licious

Alexandra — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:48:48 +0000

Feeling a little fruity lately? Summer is just around the corner, and designers have been turning out edible looking (and cute) creations every where you turn.

The trend for the season is going to be towards whimsical accessories…well, I think it’s about time! Why, you ask? The way you dress greatly influences the way you feel, and can often rub off on those around you. Everyone needs a little fun in their lives, and with these good-enough-to-eat designs, why not?

However, I will dole out a word of caution: the key to this look is moderation. If you pile on too many fruits, I fear you could end up looking like Carmen Miranda (and not in a good way). So please, with a cherry on top, don’t overdo it! That being said, read on and get fresh with these picks…

Pear of Earrings

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Betsey Johnson strawberry drop earrings

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Rhinestone apple necklace

Photo courtesy of patriciafield.com

Grovestand On the Go bag in Watermelon

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Watermelon scarf

Photo courtesy of shanalogic.com

Grovestand On the Go bag in Strawberry

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Watermelon stud earrings

Photo courtesy of shanalogic.com

Skidamarink Tote in Perfect Pear

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Hotflops Fruitflops

Photo courtesy of brookeboutique.com

Betsey Johnson Cherry Drop earrings

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.com

Candy Kisses

Alexandra — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:34:18 +0000

Spring is one of my favorite seasons of the year, and with it brings new life to your wardrobe and make-up drawer alike. The trend is toward brights- freshen up your routine with a punchy coral or a watermelon pink pucker. The key to pulling off this look is to keep it minimal everywhere else- choose only one feature on your face to highlight. My trick to off-set the intensity of an amped up pout is to use a highlighter (I use Benefit’s High Beam) on eyes and blend up to my brow bone. I then add mascara, swipe on some bronzer (I’m a fan of Latina Bella’s quad bronzer in 01), a bit of a pale pink blush and call it a day.

Here are my picks for a bright and fabulous kisser…

Lip Gloss

Lancome Color Fever lip gloss in Hot Spell

Photo courtesy of lancome.com

Lancome Color Fever lip gloss in Burning Up

Photo courtesy of lancome.com

Lipstick

MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo

Photo courtesy of mac.com

MAC lipstick in Girl About Town

Photo courtesy of mac.com

If you favor a more muted but shiny color, fear not! One lip gloss that is on my lips lately is Latina Bella’s lip gloss in Glamorous. The shade of pink is perfect for my skin tone, and it keeps my lips moisturized without feeling sticky. For you Texas gals, you can find it at any area H-E-B. For you east-coasters, check out your local Duane Reade store. Read on for the rest of my picks…

Lip Gloss

Lancome Juicy Tubes lip gloss in Simmer

Photo courtesy of gooddealbeauty.com

Cargo lip gloss in Luxor

Photo courtesy of sephora.com

Urban Decay XXX Shine lip gloss in Carney

Photo courtesy of sephora.com

Lipstick

Bare Escentuals lipstick in Bellini

Photo courtesy of sephora.com

Urban Decay lipstick in Midnight Cowboy

Photo courtesy of sephora.com

With these candy hues on your lips, you’re sure to inspire a smile from a stranger while putting a little spring in your step!

Work it!

Alexandra — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:48:07 +0000

Being a young professional, it can be a bit difficult to find work appropriate clothing that is trendy. Personally, I prefer styles that are structured and classic (for the work week, anyway!).

As always, I have a few rules for dressing fashionably in the workplace. When wearing a dress or skirt, be sure that it is no higher than three inches above the knee. Also, your blouse or dress bodice (if sleeveless) should not cut in too far because this can be unflattering as well as unprofessional. The last rule (fellow fashionistas, I promise this is the last one!) is to be sure that your clothes are well tailored and not tight fitting.

Bright colors as well as watercolor florals are big for spring. Think cheery hues, such as sunny yellow and bright turquoise (separately, unless in a beautiful pattern). When choosing the perfect patterned dress, as a rule of thumb keep the colors to a maximum of four. Any more than that and I fear you will run the risk of being mistaken for a bag of Skittles!

Most importantly, exude confidence when wearing bold colors. Remember, you should wear the clothes and not let them wear you. If vibrant colors are not your thing, I’ve included a couple of dresses in muted tones. Read on for my picks…

Kate Spade Tutti Frutti Calista shirt dress

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Izakaya dress

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Chetta B dress

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Anthropologie Homegrown dress

Photo courtesy of anthropologie.com

Coach Madison floral signature scarf

Photo courtesy of coach.com

Taylor sheath dress

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Tasha Skinny Bow headband

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Ladies’ Luncheon dress

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

True Blue

Alexandra — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:59:08 +0000

Got the blues? One item that is a staple in every girl’s wardrobe is jeans. It’s a go-to garment and can be dressed up or down, and this season’s trendiest fits are the skinny and the boyfriend.

When choosing a pair, it’s important to remember these rules: beware of the wash, be careful with back pockets, and if wearing skinny jeans be sure that they are tailored to perfection and they are ankle-length. To elaborate on my wash rule- be wary of whiskering along the sideseams (on your hips) because this can make them look fuller. Back pockets can be a pitfall because depending on the size and placement, they can make your caboose look bigger. You’re probably wondering, “Well, which pockets would be best for me?” I got you covered! Keep in mind that the pocket should be perfectly aligned between the center and side seams. Be a Goldilocks- they should be not too big or not too small, and be proportional to the size of your derriere. Another note about wash: dark washes are the most slimming and light washes are not universally flattering.

Skinny jeans not skinny enough? Try denim leggings- they’re a comfortable alternative. Pair them with a tunic top and flats and you’re good to go!

Once you’ve picked your perfect pair, let’s talk shoes. For a skinny jean, there are a few different choices: flats, heels, or cute sneaks (think Converse). A boyfriend fit jean would be chic rolled up loosely and paired with leather sandals or wedges. One major no-no is to wear athletic sneaks with this type of pant- you need a feminine shoe to off set the masculinity in this look. The most important thing to remember is to feel confident in your jeans- when you feel good, it will keep the blues away. Read on to see my picks…

501 Boyfriend Cut Jeans, Levi’s

Photo courtesy of levisstore.com

Jolt ‘Pick Me Up’ Stretch Denim Leggings, Nordstrom

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Boyfriend Skinny, Levi’s

Photo courtesy of levisstore.com

VS Angel Jean, Victoria’s Secret

Photo courtesy of victoriassecret.com

Low Skinny 531, Levi’s

Photo courtesy of levisstore.com

CJ by Cookie Johnson ‘Joy’ Stretch Denim Leggings, Nordstrom

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Haute Coat-ure

Alexandra — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:03:59 +0000

Now that we’ve officially entered the Christmas season, it means the official start of winter (as if most of us haven’t been feeling it already!) Then I had an a-ha! moment. One hugely important topic that I have yet to discuss is…you guessed it…coats! So, here’s the deal: every girl should own three types of coats: one for work, evening, and casual (weekend). I know it sounds excessive, but trust me…during the winter, your coat is the icing on the cake of your outfit (besides shoes and accessories). It’s the first thing people see, so why shouldn’t it express your style savvy while being appropriate for the occasion? I’ve separated my picks by category below, so bundle up with a cup of hot cocoa and read on…

Work

Modcloth Sweet Tartan coat

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Modcloth Amber Road coat

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com

Guess Stand Collar coat

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Miss Sixty Pleated Trench coat

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Weekend/Casual

Anthropologie Elimovna coat

Photo courtesy of anthropologie.com

Free People Military Ruffle jacket

Photo courtesy of freepeople.com

Andrew Marc Kelsey coat

This coat is available through www.andrewmarc.com

Betsey Johnson Melton coat

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Evening

Aqua Sequined Boyfriend blazer

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Diane von Furstenberg Tux jacket

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Bebe Gina Glamour jacket

Photo courtesy of bebe.com

As always, here are a few tips to keep in mind: trench coats and pea coats are classic pieces to keep in your closet, and will never go out of style (it’s best to get one that has a tailored fit). Also, if you’re in the market for a weekend coat and get one of these styles, you can punch it up with a bit of color to really make it pop…however, I would stay away from extreme neon colors. My last tip would be to make sure to keep the length (of a heavy coat, not a jacket) in the range of your mid-thigh to just above your knees…any longer than that and it will not be as flattering for your legs. If you follow these guidelines, you will be well prepared for any event, whether it be work or play. Happy shopping!

A Real Character

Alexandra — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:16:00 +0000

Who didn’t love watching cartoons on Saturdays as a kid? Now you can wear your love for cartoons on your sleeve (literally!) This season, designers have been turning out all kinds of sketchy duds. As always, the rule of moderation applies: keep character-adorned clothes and accessories to one item per outfit…you don’t want to end up looking like your favorite character. These pieces are sure to add some spunk to your wardrobe. So, if you want to get animated, here are my picks for this trend…

Kate Spade Big Apple Hugs scarf

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc watch

Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

Juicy Couture elastic pony tail holders

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc flats

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Forever 21 t-shirt

Photo courtesy of forever21.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs headband

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Paul Frank Clancy tote

Photo courtesy of zappos.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs tote

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Damsel in Distress

Alexandra — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:50:37 +0000

I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve been feeling a little worn out…when it comes to my clothes, that is! With the temperatures dropping, the locals here in New York City are reaching into their closets for distressed items, including leather and denim. To add a little vintage kick to your wardrobe, keep this rule of thumb in mind: never wear more than two aged leather items at a time (think jacket and boots). So, if you want to perk up your outfit, here are a few ideas to get you started that will leave you feeling better for wear…

Michael Kors Freeze purse

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Tory Burch wristlet

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Frye Jane boots

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Lucchese Tan Mad Dog boot

Photo courtesy of lucchese.com

Dogeared Triple Wrap bracelet

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Graham and Spencer leather jacket

Photo courtesy of freepeople.com

Chain Reaction

Alexandra — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:13:36 +0000

Chain, chain, chain…another facet to the rocker chic trend is- you guessed it- metal chained accessories. This season, these pieces are linked with rhinestones, pearls, and miscellaneous charms. Layering is the key to this look, but moderation is as well. Choose one chained accessory to sport per outfit, and you’ll be golden. Silver toned chains work best with black and gray dresses and tops, while gold chains work best with plum and earth tones. Are you ready to join the chain gang? If so, and you’re ready for a chain-ge, read on…

Bebe Moto necklace

Photo courtesy of bebe.com

Juicy Couture Midnight in the Garden bracelet

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Juicy Couture Jewels Baby Fluffy purse

Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Kenneth Jay Lane necklace

Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

La Mer watch

Photo courtesy of urbanoutfitters.com

Not your grandmother’s drapes

Alexandra — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:47:58 +0000

A trend that’s been around for a while is draping…I think that this is partly due to the beautiful dresses created by Rami on Project Runway a few seasons ago. It’s evolved into more than a glorified Grecian look, taking on a more modern aesthetic. There is a method to the madness, however. As with all garments, you should choose your draped look carefully for your body type…if not, you could end up with sour drapes. One rule of thumb is that if a dress or blouse is empire waist (and draped), wear a belt at your natural waist line to prevent an unflattering angle. You’ll find my picks for this trend below…

Banana Republic BR Monogram crinkled draped dress

Photo courtesy of bananarepublic.com

Anthropologie Gentle Current cardigan

Photo courtesy of anthropologie.com

Anthropologie Graceful Point cardigan

Photo courtesy of anthropologie.com

Free People Pleated Short Sleeve tee (freepeople.com)

Photo courtesy of freepeople.com

Leaflet Bead knit top

Photo courtesy of forever21.com

The Delphinium top

Photo courtesy of modcloth.com